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3D printing helps students understand the human anatomy

It is not enough for medical students to acquire knowledge from descriptions and two-dimensional illustrations. This must be complemented by hands on experience to understand the human anatomy.

Assistant Professor Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine started a project with the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP) to 3D print multi-material anatomy specimens as learning models for students. Assistant Professor Yeong Wai Yee from SC3DP believes new knowledge and test methods can be created from the application of 3D printing for medical education.

Starting this academic year, students will use 3D printed models in their medical course, transforming the teaching of anatomy. The donated organs from deceased patients will be scanned and data used to 3D print anatomy specimens. The colour coded models help the students differentiate the arteries from the nerves and the different muscles.

3D printing technology can also be introduced to surgeons for them to train before conducting the real surgery. The patient's body part can be 3D printed ahead of a planned surgery. Surgeons will practice on this before the actual procedure, which could lead to better results from the operation and benefit the patients.